How does TPD insurance handle pre-existing conditions?

Pre-existing conditions are one of the most complex aspects of TPD insurance and a leading cause of claim denials. When applying for TPD cover, you must disclose any known pre-existing medical conditions in your application. Failure to disclose can result in your entire policy being voided and claims rejected. If you do disclose a pre-existing condition, insurers may take several approaches: they might exclude that specific condition from coverage permanently, apply a loading (higher premium) to cover the increased risk, or decline to offer coverage altogether. Some policies include a 'general exclusion' for pre-existing conditions that have been treated or showed symptoms within a specified period before the policy started. However, TPD cover through superannuation often provides limited automatic cover without medical underwriting up to certain amounts, meaning some pre-existing conditions might be covered initially. It's crucial to be completely honest during the application process. If you're unsure whether something counts as a pre-existing condition, disclose it anyway - insurers will investigate your medical history thoroughly when you claim.